DOCG Nino Negri Quadrio Valtellina Superiore 2013

Deep garnet-red coloured, the wine shows distinctive, delicate aromas of small fruits, raspberry preserves, roses and violets, with a herbal note. In the mouth, the wine has full, lively tart fruit flavours, elegant tannins and a lingering aftertaste, with traces of prunes and toasty oak. ABV is lightish; it can drink forever.

It tasted alongside 2013 Melini Chianti Classico DOCG, yet team members almost unanimously vote for this wine for the elegance and freshness. Indeed, the score awarded from us is 91DD.

Quadrio is named in the 5th century Castello Quadrio di Chiuro that houses the Nino Negri cellars. Sourced from the finest estate vineyards within the Valtellina Superiores, Nino Negri Quadrio is south facing, there is certain ripeness despite the cool climate. It sits at elevations above 1,100 feet and consists of soils of gravel, loose sand and silt.

Grapes are allowed to hang until ultra-ripe and finally harvested in early to mid-October. The traditionally vinified wine sees ten days of maceration on the skins followed by a cold fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is matured for 18 months in large French and Slavonian oak vats before bottling.